Standing Out (3)
Once the magic examinations had all drawn to a close, the noble-class students reading the rankings magically inscribed on a vast sheet of parchment were seething with outrage.
"How dare a commoner?"
"This is absurd."
"How far has noble authority fallen?"
Ellen's name was written in fifth place on the overall magic exam rankings. Even the students ranked above him—Chedelton excluded—had only edged him out thanks to scores from the etiquette course, not the core magical subjects like theory or mana gathering.
"There's only ever been one commoner who ranked above the nobles."
"That was Hameron. He's nothing like this commoner."
"This is a disgrace to the nobility."
The children of high-ranking houses underwent private mana aptitude tests of their own. The moment talent was confirmed, the family poured resources into them without restraint—systematic instruction, proprietary mana-gathering methods, private tutors in magical theory, support no commoner could ever dream of. Producing a mage was, after all, one of the surest ways to secure a house's standing.
To those highborn heirs, the Academy was little more than a formality for collecting a diploma. They had not come seeking real growth or learning. Only commoners and lesser nobles enrolled hoping to actually take something away from the place.
"Don't get worked up over nothing. He's just slightly better livestock."
Chedelton, who had been watching them from the side, stepped in, and the surrounding students fell silent at once.
"The practical combat exam is coming up soon enough. We'll give that livestock a proper education then."
To Chedelton, commoners were animals—nothing more.
"Still, isn't that risky? That guy does have some skill—"
Chedelton's face twisted at the words. The student who had spoken clapped a hand over his own mouth at once.
"Are you suggesting I might lose to livestock? Unbelievable."
"No, I only meant—"
"O mana that dwells in untroubled peace, I borrow your power now—seep into his turmoil and grant him rest. Sleep!"
Thud.
The student who had scrambled to explain himself crumpled, instantly put under by Chedelton's Sleep spell.
"Th-that was Sleep?"
"Chedelton, have you already reached the Third Circle?"
The students could scarcely believe a first-year had already attained the Third Circle—the very requirement for graduating from the Academy.
"Do I still look like I'm in danger?"
"He was just confused."
"We never thought that for even a second."
They were certain of it: someone who already stood at the level of the Academy's highest year—the fourth-years—could never lose to some slightly talented commoner.
Ellen watched Yujin, who sat on the sofa opposite him and had not stopped talking for even a moment.
"The instructors are calling you the second coming of Hameron, you know."
"How could I possibly compare to Lord Hameron?"
After the exams, Ellen had become a celebrity at the Academy. Every commoner-class student tried to approach him, and every instructor made a point of acknowledging him. Word had clearly reached Yujin as well—hence the visit.
"You know this is all thanks to me, don't you? My eye for people truly is remarkable. You had talent but no means, so I took pity and offered my support, hahaha!"
He laughed so hard the room seemed to shake. Ellen forced down the scowl that threatened to surface.
"How could I ever forget that kindness?"
"Exactly! You must never forget it. Of course not."
With that, Yujin rummaged in his robes and produced several books.
"Here. Your master has gone to the trouble of acquiring these precious volumes to further stoke your scholarly passion. See that you demonstrate a capacity worthy of my name from now on."
"Thank you. I'll work even harder."
With Ellen's thanks, Yujin hurried back to his Magic Tower, claiming he needed to prepare for its regular evaluation research.
Seated at his desk, Ellen opened the magic texts Yujin had just left behind.
Advanced Principles of Mana Manipulation
Experimental Records on Circle Formation
Imaginative Methodology for Effective Spell Manifestation
Books he had never once read before. Curiosity stirred, and he skimmed their contents. As proper Magic Tower grimoires, they held a fair amount that was unfamiliar to him.
In his past life he had poured over countless magic texts, but most had been the ordinary sort that circulated in the open market. He had spent mercenary earnings on a few rare volumes, yet the Tower's security had kept him from consulting true Tower works often.
Yujin brought better material than I expected.
Ellen settled into a proper reading posture and began working through the books in earnest. The sensation of new knowledge filling his mind after so long was almost refreshing.
Over the next two months, Ellen finished all three volumes several times over.
I can feel it. The third Circle is there.
Excitement flared through him at the third ring taking shape around his heart. In only two months, Ellen had reached the threshold of the Third Circle.
The Academy's graduation requirement was the Third Circle; ordinary students needed roughly two years of training to reach it. Even gifted ones usually took about a year. Ellen had done it in a mere two months—and entirely through self-study.
My comprehension of the grimoires is absurd. One reading is enough for most of it to settle in my head—and it stays there completely. I don't forget a thing.
The material was far denser and more difficult than anything he had studied in his previous life; these were specialized Tower texts. Yet the moment he read them, the knowledge seemed to soak straight into his mind. After several full readings, he understood every word perfectly.
Is this connected to my ability to omit chants?
He could not be certain. Still, it felt somehow linked to his power.
To secure the mana volume needed for a third Circle, he had also drunk one of the elixirs taken from Hameron's Dungeon. His mana reserves now rivaled what he had possessed before his regression.
In pure combat power—setting martial technique aside—I'm far superior now, thanks to the chant-omission ability.
He had kept up his physical training even after entering the Academy, but of course his body could not yet match the fully matured frame of his past life.
I'm looking forward to this more and more.
Ellen was thoroughly satisfied with his current state. This superiority—something he had never once tasted before—was finally in his grasp.
I'll have to work even harder from here. Yujin's usefulness is only going to increase.